Don't Trend on My Culture

Is the use of Native American designs in mainstream fashion a sign of progress or cultural insensitivity?

Storified by The Stream · Wed, Oct 26 2011 21:59:54

American Indian blogger and activist @NativeApprops talks with the Stream.

The Stream - Don't Trend on My Culture - Adrienne KeeneAJstream

Native American bloggers have been expressing disapproval over what some are calling a misuse of their culture. They say traditional symbols like headdresses, Pendelton blankets, face paint and tipis are used without respect to their traditions and add more insult to the Native American history of disenfranchisement in U.S. society.

If I see 1 more insensitive hipster wearing a headdress or face paint I don't know what i'm going to do. It'll probably start with vomiting.SalarRajabnik

Video from Native American group 1491's on U.S.'s use of Chiricahua Apache leader Geronimo to code name the fatal strike against Osama Bin Landen.

Geronimo E-KIA, a poem by the 1491sAccompanying music by A Tribe Called Red On May 1st around 3:30pm President Obama received a message from a Navy SEAL saying "Geronimo- E KIA" the code meaning Osama bin Laden is dead. We humbly disagree. Geronimo was a product of his environment. A human. One with flaws.

Bloggers say the images used in popular culture holds on to outdated images of Native Americans and ignores the reality of their society today.

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Being a Native comes with a history of decidedly un-trendy events, such as the cultural genocide of an entire continent, residential schools, racism, stolen generations, and the eradication of entire tribes of people and their cultural traditions.mycultureisnotatrend.tumblr.com

Native writers, scholars, artists and activists are using a new venue to confront issues affecting our daily lives. Through blogs on appropriation, art, fashion, and education, these critics use their blogs to push the Native voice to the forefront and take institutions to task. By investigating the interstices between Native cultures, stereotypes, mass media, and academia, these authors make their research and observations accessible to a broader audience. nativeappropriations.blogspot.com

This blog is devoted to calling out those who might think that it is fun to dress like a native for a photo-shoot, or what have you. Just because it's popular, doesn't make it right, and to me, it is just as offensive as blackface. mycultureisnotatrend.tumblr.com

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In addition, headdresses, feathers, and warbonnets have deep spiritual significance. The wearing of feathers and warbonnets in Native communities is not a fashion choice. Eagle feathers are presented as symbols of honor and respect and have to be earned. nativeappropriations.blogspot.com

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Although we are a mostly invisible culture, that does not grant anyone the right to appropriate what little pieces of our past we have, robbing them of their dignity. Part of being seen as "trendy" also makes an entire culture not only a commodity, but also something that people will (and can) tire of; therefore being disposable. And to me, that is unacceptable. mycultureisnotatrend.tumblr.com

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"Excuse me, sir?...kt.ries

Some bloggers face criticism from people who do not view dressing in Native American garb as offensive or disrespectful.

Last year about this time, I posted about some local high school girls who decided to dress up and play Indian at Stanford's powwow. The post caused a huge ruckus, I ended up getting "legal threats" from the girls' parents, and a lot of people hated me for a minute.nativeappropriations.blogspot.com